Ma Duncan: Ventura City Hall's Infamous Spirit

Ventura City Hall isn't just a historical landmark—it once served as a courthouse and jail, and today, it's said to be home to one of California's most infamous spirits: Elizabeth "Ma" Duncan. In 1959, Duncan earned notoriety as the last woman executed in California after orchestrating the murder of her daughter-in-law.

During my recent visit to Ventura City Hall, the stories of Ma Duncan echoed through its halls. Visitors and employees alike have reported unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and even sightings of a shadowy female figure. Additionally, paranormal activity extends beyond Ma Duncan—witnesses have reported seeing a judge in a black robe, a floating head in the first-floor men’s bathroom, and a mysterious woman on the main staircase. Walking through these historic corridors, I couldn't help but sense the lingering presence of Ventura's dark past.

Whether you're intrigued by history, fascinated by the paranormal, or a bit of both, Ventura City Hall—and Ma Duncan's haunting tale—definitely deserve a spot on your list of places to explore.